What is the difference between antistatic, ESD-safe and conductive filament?

Antistatic filament prevents charge from building up. ESD-safe (dissipative) filament drains charge gradually, so no sudden discharge occurs. Conductive filament has a low resistance and lets current through. PETG ESD and ABS ESD are meant to protect electronics, not to conduct current.

How do I check whether my print is ESD-safe?

Measure the surface resistance with a resistance meter for ESD applications. The result depends on your print settings, such as temperature and wall thickness, and on the outer surface of the print. So test a part printed with the same settings, especially if the application is critical.

Can I print ESD filament with a 0.4 mm nozzle?

You can, but the risk of clogging is higher. Fiberlogy recommends 0.6 mm, because the nanoparticles in the filament can clump together. If you still print with 0.4 mm, keep the temperature at the top of 250–265 °C and raise it if the nozzle clogs.

Why is ESD filament black?

The conductive particles that drain the charge colour the material dark. That is why PETG ESD and ABS ESD are only available in black, like almost all ESD filaments.

Are there other filaments with ESD properties?

According to Fiberlogy, Nylon PA12 + CF also has ESD properties, provided you use the right print settings and maintain a correct print structure. That does not make it a guaranteed ESD material. For parts that definitely have to be ESD-safe, choose PETG ESD or ABS ESD.

ESD-safe filament

Filament that lets static charge drain away in a controlled way, for prints around sensitive electronics.

ESD-safe filament prevents a print from holding static charge and suddenly discharging it onto a sensitive component. You use it to print enclosures, trays, holders and tools for workplaces with electronics. Below you will find Fiberlogy PETG ESD and ABS ESD, both in black. Below the products you can read which one to choose and what to look out for when printing. Read more…

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What is ESD-safe filament?

ESD stands for electrostatic discharge: a sudden discharge of static electricity. For people it is at most a small shock, but electronic components can be damaged beyond repair. Fiberlogy ESD filament contains conductive nanoparticles. As a result, charge does not stay on the surface but drains away gradually. The material is antistatic, not conductive: you cannot print current-carrying parts with it.

PETG ESD or ABS ESD?

Property	PETG ESD	ABS ESD
Nozzle	250–265 °C	250–265 °C
Print bed	85 °C	90–110 °C
Character	Tough, easier to print and warps less	More heat-resistant, easy to post-process
Enclosure	Not needed	Recommended

According to Fiberlogy, both are impact-resistant and resist chemicals and scratches. PETG ESD is the easiest choice for most parts. Choose ABS ESD for parts that get warm. You will also find them under special PETG and ABS.

Printing ESD filament

Nozzle: Fiberlogy recommends a 0.6 mm nozzle, because the nanoparticles can clump together. If the nozzle clogs, raise the temperature.
Print bed: ESD filament adheres so strongly that it can damage a smooth bed or glass. Print on masking tape.
Filament: because of the nanoparticles, the filament is not completely smooth. Small thickenings are normal; the diameter stays within tolerance.
Checking: for critical applications, measure the surface resistance of the printed part; it also depends on your print settings.

Something going wrong? Our article on solving common 3D printing problems covers the most common problems and their solutions.

Pros and cons of ESD filament

Advantages

Protects sensitive electronics against static discharge
Impact-resistant and resistant to chemicals and scratches
Can be printed on an ordinary FDM printer

Disadvantages

Only available in black
A 0.6 mm nozzle gives less fine detail than 0.4 mm
Adheres so strongly that you print on tape
Not suitable for conducting current

Applications of ESD-safe filament

Enclosures: for circuit boards, controllers, sensors, connectors and measuring equipment.
Storage: trays and bins for components.
Production: jigs, fixtures and holders for assembly and test set-ups.

ESD-safe filament is part of our technical filament.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between antistatic, ESD-safe and conductive filament?
Antistatic filament prevents charge from building up. ESD-safe (dissipative) filament drains charge gradually, so no sudden discharge occurs. Conductive filament has a low resistance and lets current through. PETG ESD and ABS ESD are meant to protect electronics, not to conduct current.
How do I check whether my print is ESD-safe?
Measure the surface resistance with a resistance meter for ESD applications. The result depends on your print settings, such as temperature and wall thickness, and on the outer surface of the print. So test a part printed with the same settings, especially if the application is critical.
Can I print ESD filament with a 0.4 mm nozzle?
You can, but the risk of clogging is higher. Fiberlogy recommends 0.6 mm, because the nanoparticles in the filament can clump together. If you still print with 0.4 mm, keep the temperature at the top of 250–265 °C and raise it if the nozzle clogs.
Why is ESD filament black?
The conductive particles that drain the charge colour the material dark. That is why PETG ESD and ABS ESD are only available in black, like almost all ESD filaments.
Are there other filaments with ESD properties?
According to Fiberlogy, Nylon PA12 + CF also has ESD properties, provided you use the right print settings and maintain a correct print structure. That does not make it a guaranteed ESD material. For parts that definitely have to be ESD-safe, choose PETG ESD or ABS ESD.